Sea Garden Cottages

Stylish beach cottages (sleeping 2-10) on idyllic island of Tresco with restaurant, sailing school and indoor pool

We're massive fans of Tresco. The deserted white sands, turquoise waters and exotic plants of this tiny family-owned island lure us back every year. With no cars, beautiful landscapes and slick management it's goodbye to the stress of mainland life. Now, a cluster of high spec cottages on the north-east coast brings a fresh hassle-free way of staying on the Isles of Scilly.

Built in 2012 on the site of the original Island Hotel, the Sea Garden Cottages deliver solid comfort and style in the form of their one bedroom cottages available by the night, or larger cottages, sleeping 6-10, rented by the week. Large picture windows give spectacular sea views and a dreamy sense of space. Empty stunning beaches are on your doorstep. It's only a skip to the Ruin Beach Cafe with its wood burning oven, tennis or indoor pool, but you'll want to hop on your cycle to explore the rest of the island. It's a magical place for children to have adventures but fear not, adults won’t go short on the finer things of life: serious pampering at the spa and a thoroughly decent deli are just a few minutes ride away. How fun and easy is that. Oh for an island life!

Highs

• The Isles of Scilly are spectacularly beautiful and unspoilt with more sunshine and less rain than the rest of the UK
• Stylish, comfortable and well-equipped cottages with fabulous views of wild seascapes and rocky outcrops
• Great for kids: almost traffic free, easy beach access, a magical sense of freedom biking round the isle
• The one-bedroom cottages (with maid service and breakfast included) are ideal for couples wanting a short escape
• Conveniently close to the beach restaurant, sailing centre (July and August), pool, gym and tennis, plus free entry into the world-famous Abbey Gardens
• The island (including the pub, art gallery, shop and all the accommodation) is owned by the Dorrien-Smith family who have succeeded in preserving a unique sense of community

Lows

• If you want the hustle and bustle of frantic modern life, the Isles of Scilly may not be for you
• Getting there and back by twin-prop or ferry is part of the fun but travel plans can be scuppered by fog or high winds
• For bike hire, spa treatments and provisions you'll need to head over to the other side of the island, but it's only a 20 minute walk (less by bicycle) and they'll deliver groceries to your cottage
• Families return year after year so May half term and August can be booked up more than six months in advance. Also see the Flying Boat Cottages